A qualitative study on the delayed manifestation of night shift-related intrusive memories in non-shift nurses with a history of night shift work.
The adverse effects of night shift work on the physical and mental health of nurses have been widely documented. However, little is known about whether these psychological experiences persist after nurses cease working night shifts or whether some of these experiences subsequently manifest as intrusive memories.
To explore the characteristics of the delayed manifestation of night shift-related intrusive memories and the associated experiences among non-shift nurses with a history of night shift work.
A descriptive qualitative study design was employed using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Fifteen non-shift nurses with a history of night shift work who were currently working fixed day shifts at a Grade III Class A hospital in Shandong Province were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Colaizzi's seven-step method was used for data analysis. The findings were reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guideline.
Among nurses who reported night shift-related intrusive experiences after the cessation of night shift duties, these experiences may persist for months or even years and may be reactivated by specific situational cues, accompanied by emotional responses. Four themes were identified: Night Shift-Related Psychosocial Stressors; Characteristics of Night Shift-Related Intrusive Memories; Contextual Cues and Persistent Experiences Following Night Shift Work; and Coping and Meaning Reconstruction After Night Shift Experiences.
Among nurses who reported night shift-related intrusive experiences after the cessation of night shift duties, these experiences were characterized by delayed onset, involuntary recurrence, and situational dependence. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing the psychological experiences of nurses with a history of night shift work and suggest the need for appropriate occupational mental health support and adaptation strategies.
To explore the characteristics of the delayed manifestation of night shift-related intrusive memories and the associated experiences among non-shift nurses with a history of night shift work.
A descriptive qualitative study design was employed using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Fifteen non-shift nurses with a history of night shift work who were currently working fixed day shifts at a Grade III Class A hospital in Shandong Province were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Colaizzi's seven-step method was used for data analysis. The findings were reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guideline.
Among nurses who reported night shift-related intrusive experiences after the cessation of night shift duties, these experiences may persist for months or even years and may be reactivated by specific situational cues, accompanied by emotional responses. Four themes were identified: Night Shift-Related Psychosocial Stressors; Characteristics of Night Shift-Related Intrusive Memories; Contextual Cues and Persistent Experiences Following Night Shift Work; and Coping and Meaning Reconstruction After Night Shift Experiences.
Among nurses who reported night shift-related intrusive experiences after the cessation of night shift duties, these experiences were characterized by delayed onset, involuntary recurrence, and situational dependence. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing the psychological experiences of nurses with a history of night shift work and suggest the need for appropriate occupational mental health support and adaptation strategies.